Apple to introduce 'lockdown' security measure on iPhones, iPads and Macs

The new "lockdown mode" function will initially be made available as a test version so that security experts may assist Apple in finding any bugs or flaws.

Apple has said it would introduce a "lockdown"option for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers in order to defend against spyware released by state-sponsored hackers. However, enabling that safety will also reduce the usefulness of these devices.

The security measure unveiled on Wednesday, is a covert admission that not even Apple, the most valuable business in the world, has been able to fully protect the iPhone and its other devices from hacking attacks from state-sponsored actors and commercial spyware. Governments have violated the privacy of journalists, political dissidents,and human rights advocates using these techniques.

The new "lockdown mode" function will initially be made available as a test version so that security experts may assist Apple in finding any bugs or flaws. Apple typically makes significant updates to the operating systems of its mobile devices in late September. Private corporations corporations like Israel's NSO Group have been selling phone hacking software to governments all around the world for years, yet only a small number of nations appear to have the means to build their own mobile phone hacking capabilities.

Apple sued NSO Group in federal court for hacking into iPhones and other Apple products last year as a result of the expanding hacker-for-hire issue. Apple said in its case that NSO Group personnel were "amoral mercenaries of the 21st century who have developed very sophisticated cyber-surveillance gear that enabls routine and egregious misuse."

NSO, which the US Commerce Department has plaed on a blacklist, has refused any wrongdoing and claimed that its products have been used to stop terrorists and child abusers. Apple's "lockdown" function, in contrast to the security safeguards that are integrated into majority of its software, is designed to act as an emergency button that the firm anticipates would only be used by a small percentage of its users.

Since turning on lockdown will disable several widely used capabilities, it is generally thought that spyware victims will only use it as a lat resort. In addition to enabling the ability to receive FaceTime calls from new numbers, this also enables the sending of attachments and links in SMS along with restricted web browsing. Apple, though, feels that activists, journalists, and other targets of well-funded organisations' hacking attacks will value the additional degree of safety. Lockdown mode will be able to be activated and deactivated at any time by users. Governments are now using commercial spyware suppliers to obtain information on targets due to the increased usage of encrypted communications through mobile apps like Whatsapp and Signal.

Such mobile phone malware privately manages the microphones and cameras of a smartphone while sucking up text messages, emails, and images. Some of the most sophisticated programmeshave the ability to infect a phone utilising "zero click" exploits, which don't require the user to unintentionally activate them, as by clicking on a malicious link.

Additionally, Apple revealed more information regarding a 10 million dollar donation it promised in November to support the fight against significant cyber attacks. The funds will be donated to the Ford Foundation's Dignity and Justice Fund.

(With PTI Inputs)